Troy Tulowitzki Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz, Speculation Surrounding Rockies SS

Troy Tulowitzki has been linked to trade rumors early in the offseason. While a deal is not immenint, a player of Tulowitzki's caliber is sure to draw major interest around the league.

Continue for updates.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Tulowitzki Not On Mets' Radar

Adam Rubin of ESPNewYork.com reports why the Mets are not interested in trading for Tulowitzki:

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A trade of Troy Tulowitzki is 'not happening,' sources briefed on the matter told ESPNNewYork.com, but the Mets do plan to go the trade route in order to try to upgrade at shortstop. The Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubsare viewed as four viable trade partners. A deal for Tulowitzki is not on the Mets' radar because of the $100 million-plus still owed as well as the expected cost in terms of prospects (two or three blue-chippers). 

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Monday, Nov. 10

Mets Inquire About Tulowitzki, Rockies Deny Report

Marc Carig of Newsday reported what he was hearing regarding the Mets and Troy Tulowitzki:

However when asked about a potential trade with the Mets, Rockies GM Jeff Bridich denied the report according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com:

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We have literally not had one substantive conversation with the Mets. I talked to [Mets GM] Sandy Alderson, he said congratulations on the job and he said, 'What have you got in store?' Then he told me what he had in store.

We are choosing to keep our eyes and ears open on all business matters, which is something I said a month ago. That isn't just specific to pitching. There could be other areas where we feel we have needs or can add to our team.

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Wednesday, Nov. 5

Coming off their fourth straight losing season and still years away from their top prospects being major league ready, major changes are expected this winter from the Colorado Rockies. And it appears they're willing to start this new era by jettisoning the stars of the old one.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported Wednesday that the Rockies have begun informing other clubs that they're willing to trade shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. There is no deal imminent for either All-Star, nor did Rosenthal characterize Colorado as being desperate to move the franchise cornerstones.

That said, a willingness to move Tulowitzki or Gonzalez will undoubtedly keep the hot stove burning.

Tulowitzki, 30, was in the midst of a possible MVP campaign before injuries ended his 2014 prematurely. Perhaps the best offensive shortstop in baseball, Tulowitzki hit .340/.432/.603 with 21 home runs and 52 RBI in 91 appearances. He underwent season-ending hip surgery in August to repair a labral tear, and his timetable for returning to baseball-related activities is still up in the air.

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

While few would deny his talent, Tulowitzki's had an increasing penchant for injuries in recent seasons. He's missed 222 of a possible 486 regular-season games over the last three seasons with myriad issues, including injuries to his groin and ribs along with the hip ailment.

The four-time All-Star has also become increasingly critical of management, publicly expressing his frustration with the team's direction in August. 

"I think that's why I came out numerous times and said I want to win," Tulowitzki told Nick Groke of The Denver Post. "It doesn't mean I want out of here. It means I'm sick and tired of losing. Something needs to change. Hopefully that comes fairly quickly. You can't force it. But at the same time, we're all frustrated with this year—especially me."

Colorado finished 2014 with a 66-96 record, the second-worst mark in baseball. Since appearing in the 2007 World Series, the Rockies have one playoff berth and have been on a downward trend. Last month, longtime general manager Dan O'Dowd stepped down and was replaced by Jeff Bridich, who has kept his public comments to a minimum since taking over. 

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

"Right now, I'm trying to get the lay of the land and get my feet underneath me a little bit," Bridich said, per Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post. "That's not only internally, but externally with the other (front office) people in baseball."

Tulowitzki has six years and $114 million remaining on the contract extension he signed in 2010. It would be interesting to see what Colorado could get for him on the open market. When healthy, Tulowitzki is the best offensive player at a position starved for run production. However, he's so rarely 100 percent healthy that his contract could become an albatross if the injury issues keep cropping up.

One thing, though, appears to be clear: Once Bridich gets his feet underneath him, he'll be testing the waters to see how aggressive his new contemporaries are willing to be. 

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.